Deadline: February 03, 2025
Program Starts: June 23, 2025
Program Ends: August 22, 2025
Location(s)
United States of America
Overview
The Research in Industrial Projects for Students (RIPS) Programs provide an opportunity for talented undergraduate students to work in teams on real-world research projects proposed by sponsors from industry or the public sector. Each student team, with support from their academic mentor and industry mentor, will research the problem and present the results, both orally and in writing, at the end of the program. Subsequent to the RIPS program, some student teams choose to publish their results, or present them at national conferences. IPAM provides each undergraduate student with a wide range of support and incentives.
Details
What will participating in RIPS do for me?
First, in contrast to most summer research experiences that focus on an academic problem where students work closely with an academic mentor, RIPS students apply their mathematics knowledge to a real-world industrial problem, with an emphasis on problem solving using whatever methods are appropriate. In this way, RIPS is a cross between an REU and an internship. Second, RIPS students work on teams, with one student serving as project manager. For many students, this is their first experience working in a team environment. Third, RIPS provides students an opportunity to explore careers in mathematics, science and technology. They learn about the company that is sponsoring their project through interaction with their industrial mentor, and about the other industry sponsors through discussions with other RIPS students about their projects. Fourth, RIPS students learn report writing and public presentation skills that will be invaluable to them as they continue with an academic or professional career in an industrial setting. These skills, combined with real-world research experience, give students an edge in the job market.
What is it is like to participate in RIPS?
RIPS students live, work and socialize together over the summer, so they form close professional and personal relationships. Students have an office with a computer and meeting space at IPAM. IPAM provides technical support as well as daily “tea time” and occasional guest lectures. Students stay in university housing within walking distance of IPAM and eat most meals on campus. UCLA is located approximately four miles from the Santa Monica beaches and is within close proximity to many popular tourist destinations. Students work hard, but they can also take surfing lessons, tour Hollywood studios, take weekend trips to national parks, and find other ways to enjoy their summer in LA.
What does the program emphasize?
The program emphasizes research, of course, but this is just part of it. You will experience group work, perhaps for the first time, and learn to navigate the team environment. In addition, there is a significant emphasis on the presentation of your research. You will write a formal final report for your “client” (the industry sponsor) as well as prepare and give midterm and final presentations of your work to an audience that includes students, faculty, industry professionals, and others. The last two weeks of the program are devoted to the final report and presentation, culminating in “Projects Day” and your site visit to your sponsor’s office, lab or facility.
What is a Project Manager?
One student on each team will serve as project manager, whose role includes leading team discussions, coordinating individual team member efforts, monitoring the team’s progress in meeting milestones, and communicating with the industry sponsor and RIPS director. It is a worthwhile opportunity as well as a challenging responsibility. The RIPS director provides the project managers with regular coaching and support. The RIPS director and your academic mentor will choose the project manager during the first week of RIPS.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Encouraging the careers of women and minority mathematicians and scientists is an important component of IPAM’s mission and we welcome their applications. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate in either program.
International students are eligible to apply for RIPS-LA, whether or not they study in the US.
Dates
Deadline: February 03, 2025
Program starts:
June 23, 2025
Program ends:
August 22, 2025
Cost/funding for participants
These include:
- Stipend of $4,200
- Travel allowance
- Housing and meals on campus
- Site-visit with sponsors (subject to confirmation)
- Limited partial support for future travel to select conferences
- Foreign students (studying in the US or abroad) are eligible
- Graduating seniors are eligible
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.